That to this end Estada had already been foully murdered and that they also intended to take the lives of the other officers so as to be free to do as they pleased.

I shall explain that we discovered this conspiracy just in time to save them from butchery, and that they must stand by us, or else submit to those hell-hounds.

I'll put it strong." "And after that, Senor ?" "Why Porto Grande, of course," I admitted heartily.

"It is not a long voyage, and if we bring the boat in safely the treasure is ours.

The men will understand what that means--a handful of gold for each of them and a run ashore.